Who Owns the Atlanta Falcons? A Local’s Guide to the Team’s Leadership and Legacy
If you live in Atlanta, spend fall Sundays around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or are just getting into local sports, it’s natural to wonder: Who is the owner of the Atlanta Falcons?
The Atlanta Falcons are owned by Arthur M. Blank, a well-known Atlanta business leader and philanthropist who has played a major role in shaping both the team and the city’s sports landscape.
Who Is the Owner of the Atlanta Falcons?
The principal owner of the Atlanta Falcons is Arthur M. Blank.
Blank is best known locally and nationally as:
- Co‑founder of The Home Depot
- Owner of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
- Owner of Atlanta United FC (MLS)
- A major philanthropic figure in Atlanta and across Georgia
He purchased the Falcons in 2002, becoming just the second primary owner in team history after the franchise’s original owner, Rankin M. Smith Sr.
Quick Facts About Falcons Ownership
Here’s a simple overview of who owns and operates the Atlanta Falcons and how it connects to Atlanta:
| Role / Entity | Name / Description | Connection to Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Owner | Arthur M. Blank | Longtime Atlanta business and civic leader |
| Ownership Group / Holding | Blank‑controlled entities | Headquartered in Atlanta |
| Home Stadium | Mercedes‑Benz Stadium | Located in Downtown Atlanta |
| Primary NFL Franchise Location | Atlanta Falcons | Represents Atlanta and the state of Georgia |
| Related Atlanta Team | Atlanta United FC | Also owned by Arthur Blank |
Arthur Blank’s Role in Atlanta Sports
From Business Leader to Falcons Owner
Arthur Blank became a fixture in Atlanta through The Home Depot, which was founded in the metro area and grew into a national brand. After stepping away from day‑to‑day retail operations, he turned his focus to:
- Professional sports ownership
- Philanthropy in Atlanta and beyond
- Local community investment
His purchase of the Falcons in 2002 signaled a strong, long‑term commitment to keeping the team rooted in Atlanta and investing in the city’s sports infrastructure.
What His Ownership Means for Falcons Fans in Atlanta
For people who live in Atlanta or visit for games, Blank’s ownership has helped shape experiences like:
- The creation of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta
- Enhanced fan amenities, including modern seating, fan plazas, and updated game-day entertainment
- An emphasis on a family‑friendly and affordable game experience, including widely discussed food and beverage pricing policies
While team performance can vary from season to season, Blank is often associated with a desire to keep the Falcons competitive and deeply tied to the local community.
Where the Atlanta Falcons Call Home in Atlanta
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
The Falcons’ home field is Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, a major landmark in Downtown Atlanta.
- Location: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Neighborhood: Near the Vine City and Castleberry Hill areas
- Nearby transit: Close to MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center Station and Vine City Station
If you’re in Atlanta and want to experience the Falcons under Arthur Blank’s ownership firsthand, this is where you go for:
- Regular-season and preseason NFL games
- Stadium tours (offered on select days)
- Major events like college football games, concerts, and championships
Front Office and Operations
The Falcons’ football operations and practice facilities are headquartered in the Atlanta metro area, north of the city center. These facilities are where:
- Players and coaches prepare during the season and offseason
- Front office staff manage team operations, football strategy, and logistics
While these facilities are not typically public walk‑up locations like a retail store or government office, local fans will often hear them referenced in team news and broadcasts.
How Arthur Blank’s Ownership Connects to the Community
Community and Philanthropy in Atlanta
Through the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and related efforts, Blank and his organization are involved in a range of Atlanta-focused initiatives, including:
- Youth programs and sports initiatives
- Neighborhood development and community support
- Education, health, and social impact projects
For residents, this means the Falcons’ owner is not just a sports figure, but also a visible part of broader city and regional efforts.
You may see this influence through:
- Falcons‑branded community events
- Partnerships with local schools and organizations
- Volunteer and charity efforts around Atlanta neighborhoods
How Falcons Ownership Impacts Your Experience as an Atlanta Fan
If you’re in Atlanta, Arthur Blank’s role as owner influences several aspects of how you interact with the team:
1. Game‑Day Experience
Decisions on stadium design, amenities, and fan policies are shaped by the ownership group. This includes:
- Stadium comfort and technology (video boards, roof design, seating layout)
- Concession strategies and pricing approach
- Family‑oriented spaces and game‑day activities
For locals, this translates into how enjoyable it feels to spend an afternoon or evening at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
2. Long‑Term Team Stability in Atlanta
Having a committed local owner generally supports:
- Keeping the franchise anchored in Atlanta
- Ongoing investment in facilities, staff, and fan outreach
- Collaboration with the City of Atlanta and state officials on major projects
If you own a business, work downtown, or live in nearby neighborhoods, these decisions can indirectly affect local traffic, tourism, and economic activity during Falcons home games.
3. Cross‑Team Synergy with Atlanta United
Because Arthur Blank also owns Atlanta United FC, fans often see:
- Shared use of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- Shared community initiatives
- A coordinated approach to Atlanta’s identity as a sports city
If you’re a soccer fan who lives in or visits Atlanta, this dual ownership makes it easy to follow and support both the Falcons and Atlanta United under the same organizational umbrella.
How to Stay Connected with the Falcons in Atlanta
If you’re looking to stay informed or get more engaged with the team in the city where you live or visit, here are some practical ways:
- 🏟️ Attend a Falcons home game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta
- 🎟️ Visit the stadium box office on event days for ticket inquiries
- 🚇 Use MARTA (especially GWCC/CNN Center and Vine City stations) to access the stadium more easily
- 📺 Follow local Atlanta sports coverage to learn more about ownership decisions, draft picks, coaching changes, and community programs
While Arthur Blank himself isn’t someone the public generally contacts directly, his ownership decisions shape nearly every aspect of what Atlanta residents and visitors experience when they engage with the Falcons.
In summary:
Arthur M. Blank is the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, and his leadership has had a major impact on Atlanta’s sports scene, downtown development, and community initiatives. If you’re in or around Atlanta, every trip to a Falcons game, every view of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium’s skyline, and many local sports programs are directly tied to his role as the team’s owner.
